Judith "Judy" Bryant

Judith “Judy” Bryant, age 87 of Athens, passed away on Friday, October 23, 2026 at Villa Healthcare East in Sherman, IL.

Judy was born on January 19, 1939, in Springfield, Illinois, the daughter of Paul and Mary E. (Sawyer) Wasilewski.

On January 19, 1958, she became the wife of the love of her life, Walter Bryant, and they were married for 55 years.

Mourning her passing are daughters: Connie (husband Dave) Hill and Penny (husband Jimmy) Ratliff; grandchildren: Tyler Hopwood, Katlin (wife Stacey) Douglas, Dalton (wife Zaylana) Irwin, Bryan (wife Megan) Irwin, and step-grandson, Colton Ratliff; great-grandchildren, Sheldon Hopwood, Silas and Aurora Douglas; and several beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a daughter, Kristie Stoneking; her sisters, Paula Folkers and Susan James; great-grandson, Keith Straub; and along with many cherished in-laws and extended family members.

Judy graduated from Athens High School in 1957 and from Nursing School in 1972 after all three of her daughters were in school.

She spent much of her nursing career working as a pediatric LPN for the office of Drs. Gonzalez, Hurshman and Agatucci, and she retired from working per diem at the Menard Medical Center at the age of 72.

Up until enjoying a short time in assisted living at the Villas in Sherman, she spent all of her life in Athens and was a faithful and long-time member of the Athens Christian Church.

She loved reading, the Chicago Cubs, and, more than anything, spending time with her family and lifetime friends – she was still in a bunco group that was started just out of high school.

Judy’s wishes were to have a traditional graveside ceremony which will be held on Saturday November 14, 2026 at the Joel Hall Cemetery, at 1:00 PM, to be immediately followed by a celebration of her life at the Athens Christian Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Athens Christian Church or the Athens Public Library, both of which were near and dear to Judy.

Mott & Henning Funeral Home is assisting the family. On-line condolences can be shared at www.mottandhenning.com.